Schedule
Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 6:10-7:20 pm (Main Stage)
London to the world. That’s this exquisite band’s declaration to those who venture into their music. Kokoroko means “be strong” in the Orhobo language (a Nigerian tribe) and it reflects what it means for sons and daughters of African immigrants to grow up in the cultural melting pot that is London and keep their own musical traditions alive. Filtered by the British music scene in which they grew up, Kokoroko’s music is an alluring, sinuous blend of West African music, jazz and a suggestion of psychedelia. Their breakout single of 2019, Abusey Junction, sets the tone with percolating percussion, an instrument-forward arrangement and lush, dreamy vocals. It put them on the map.
Founded by Onome Edgeworth (percussion) and Sheila Maurice-Grey (trumpet, vocals) the pair wondered, “What would our traditional music sound like coming from London, where there is a massive melting point of cultures? And what would it sound like if it came through our perspective?” It sounds unique and mesmerizing. This could be your favorite discovery of the weekend.